The spray tan is one of those popular sunless tanning methods that has been a common craze among women for quite some time. However, if you are pregnant and planning to take a trip to the salon for a refreshing spraying session, hold on until you find out how safe it is to use.
Is it safe to spray tan while pregnant?
Spray tans and other fake tans contain a non-toxic substance DHA (dihydroxyacetone), primarily functioning in the skin’s outer layer, interacting with the proteins there and producing a brown pigment named melanoidin.
Tan creams, lotions, and wipes are safe since they are topically applied and do not get absorbed beyond the skin’s upper layer. However, spray tan puts you at the risk of inhaling the DHA in it, which might reach your baby. However, no concrete evidence exists to validate this theory.
Should you get a spray tan
Keeping in mind the fact that there may be some unknown danger to your baby when you breathe in some spray tan, it is better to refrain from using it, whether at home, spray booths, or even at professional salons, particularly in the first trimester as advised by most medical experts. If you intend to spray tan in the second or third trimester, have a word with your doctor to confirm if it will be safe.
Spray tanning safety tips
- Make sure the room you are getting tanned is spacious and well-ventilated.
- Safeguard your lips and eyes using petroleum jelly or some barrier cream.
- Take a patch test to check whether you are allergic to the spray ingredients you will use, even if you have used it before getting pregnant, as the sensitivity of your skin increases due to the changing hormone levels.
- Ensure you have the best quality spray tans considered to be relatively safe during pregnancy.
References:
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/tanning-during-pregnancy/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/tanning-while-pregnant
- https://www.thebump.com/a/spray-tanning-safe-while-pregnant
Dr. Mashiach has completed his MD at the Sackler School of Medicine, TAU; specialization in gynecology at the Lis Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; fellowship in Endoscopy at the Polyclinique de I’Hotel-Dieu, Universite d’Auvergne, Clermont, France.
He is a Senior Physician, Director of the Department of Gynecology, which provides routine and preventative care services to its patients and a full range of gynecological surgical procedures for adequately managing its patients with benign gynecologic disorders.
He offers advanced care in all gynecological subspecialties such as Urogynecology, Colposcopy, Fetal Loss Clinic, and Post Menopausal Clinic.
